The simplicity of a child is often beautiful and picturesque.  And their generosity can be humbling and deeply profound.  I was reminded of this recently while working with an Amish family.  In the midst of the treatment session, one of the siblings came with a “Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.” As she handed it to me, she said, “Little Pie.”  I smiled and said “thank you” and placed it in my pocket. (I’m not a big fan of peanut butter cups).  A moment went by as the other siblings came in and they sat opening up their “Little Pies” and asked me why I wasn’t eating mine.  Without hesitation, I pulled the miniature chocolate and peanut butter pie out, unwrapped it, and we all shared our “little pies” together.  With the brush strokes of a child’s gift, the moment painted a forever picture in my mind of the invitation to grace, generous fellowship and sacrificial giving.

Let’s look at another little child who gave all he had to Jesus one day.

8Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9“Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”

10Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them. 11Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.

12When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” 13So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

Is it possible the miracle of this boy’s gift was more than feeding 5000 people?   I’m beginning to understand the beauty of this Amish child’s gift is the same as the boy in Jesus’s miracle.  On the surface, the gifts were simply food.  However, a different type of miracle takes place when we share something together.  You see I placed the Reese’s Cup in my pocket (for later) and was gently re-invited to share the moment with the children.  I now realize the gift was “true” community and fellowship – not just a snack.  How often do we view the gifts we receive or give as a transaction instead of an invitation to fellowship?  The truth is Jesus invites us to fellowship with His grace throughout each day.  He offers us an invitation to commune with Him as the Giver of Life.  Am I the only one that is so rushed in life that I miss the fellowship of sharing “Little Pies” as the moments of life go by?  Will you pause with me this week and rethink your day around opportunities of fellowship with those who generously and sacrificially give their “Little Pies” filled with the invitation to grace?